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2008-2009 Seasonal Flu Immunization Project

Background
Intervention Package
Additional Online Resources

Network 5 sought to improve the flu immunization rate for the period September 1, 2008 – January 31, 2009, through an influenza immunization awareness campaign, coupled with primary data collection and the provision of educational materials. Targets for the intervention were prevalent hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients receiving care in all settings, with the exception of military treatment centers, Veterans Health Administration hospitals, and prisons. Adult and pediatric patients, including dialysis patients in nursing home-based units were included.

The majority of Network facilities, 84.5%, participated in the project to achieve an overall adult flu immunization rate of 82.6%, greatly exceeding the project goal of 64.5% and representing substantial progress toward the 2010 goal of 90%. Although the Network pediatric population is small and was not the primary focus of this project, the flu immunization rate among pediatric patients in participating facilities was even greater than that of the adult population, 89.8%. The Network was able to achieve these results primarily through efficiently delivered interventions, i.e., newsletters, emails, and downloadable resources. The provision of a tracking tool, pre-populated by the Network with the names of facility patients, facilitated record-keeping and assured that known Network patients were included in calculation of the immunization rate.

Background

The single best way to protect against the seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dialysis patients have long been recognized as a vulnerable and underserved population that can benefit from immunizations, thereby decreasing their risk of hospitalization and death from influenza and its complications. According to the most recent USRDS Annual Report (2007), only 60% of prevalent ESRD patients in Network 5 are immunized annually against seasonal influenza. This rate falls short of the 90% goal established by the national Healthy People 2010 initiative. In an effort to increase the rate of influenza immunization towards the Healthy People 2010 goal of 90%, Network 5 conducted a Network-wide Influenza Immunization Initiative between September 2008 and February 2009.

As part of this initiative, MARC supplied each Network 5 dialysis facility with a basic intervention material and resource package, which were designed to assist them in increasing influenza immunizations among patients and staff. In addition, the immunization campaign was linked to the Network's 5-Diamond Patient Safety Program, which includes an influenza vaccination module and offers an opportunity for facilities to be recognized for their immunization activities.

"Get the Flu Shot, Not the Flu!"

Intervention Package

The intervention package sent to each dialysis facility includes the following tools and resources:

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Additional Online Resources

Recommendations and Guidelines

VIS - Live Intranasal Influenza Vaccine & Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Statements

Immunization Focus

Healthcare Worker

Reliable, Up-to-Date Beneficiary Education Resources

Awareness and Helpful Strategies to Improve Vaccination Services

Events

  • Celebrate National Healthcare Quality Week, October 19-25, 2008
    • Recognize healthcare professionals in your dialysis facility who make a difference in providing quality patient care. Plan special events.  Include your patients and staff in activities such as a kick-off flu immunization event that will not only heighten awareness of the contributions that quality professionals make year-round but also may protect your staff and patients from getting the flu. Other suggestions  for hosting recognition and celebratory activities at your institution:
    Click on the images below to download posters to display in your facility during National Healthcare Quality Week:
    QualityWeekPoster1
    QualityWeekPoster2
    QualityWeek3

  • National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 8-14, 2008
    • This CDC-sponsored event is designed to highlight the importance of continuing influenza (flu) vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine through the months of November and December, and beyond.

Recognition

  • 5-Diamond Patient Safety Program Immunization Module and Resources
    • The Mid-Atlantic Renal Coalition believes it is important for each dialysis facility to incorporate patient safety into its organizational culture. To help promote patient safety values, MARC has implemented the 5-Diamond Patient Safety Program. The goal of this program is to help dialysis facilities better implement patient safety principles among both staff and patients.

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